AnaSonde-E and Derivatives

What is an AnaSonde?

The AnaSondes are digital radiosondes - simple and inexpensive
probes used to gather atmospheric profiles for numerous
parameters such as temperature, pressure, and humidity.
When flying on a common 3-foot helium-filled
balloon, AnaSondes are capable of gathering measurements
in the lower atmosphere (troposphere) up to altitudes of
approximately 35,000 feet!

Our introductory and educational devices are entry-level
systems which can be used on their own or as introductions
to the capabilities of Anasphere's more advanced systems.
These devices are suitable for students in middle school
through undergraduate college, and are also suitable for
special-needs schools.

We use these devices as part of teacher-training workshops
to familiarize teachers with the basic capabilities of the
AnaSonde radiosondes. We have found that teachers often find
uses for this simple hardware; as a result, we are developing
associated experiments to help teachers take full advantage
of the capabilities of these devices.

The AnaSonde family can be used for surface and laboratory
use, as well as flown on balloons.

AnaSonde Blink-E and AnaSonde Buzz-E

The AnaSonde Blink-ETM and Buzz-ETM are variants of the
basic AnaSonde-E, Anasphere's original low-cost radiosonde
for making measurements in the lower atmosphere. The
Blink-E and Buzz-E are optimized for use in the classroom
and student laboratory. They also provide an excellent
introduction to the fundamental features and capabilities of
the AnaSonde radiosondes, without requiring the user to have
any special skill or additional materials - the kit and a
9-volt battery are all you need to start making measurements
and enter the world of AnaSondes!

The Blink-E and Buzz-E are both based on a standard AnaSonde-E
radiosonde circuit board. Each type measures temperature using
an on-board temperature sensor. An on-board microcontroller takes
the raw measurement from the sensor and converts it to a temperature
in degrees Celsius. This number is then presented to the user
via an on-board LED (Blink-E and Buzz-E) and can also be presented
via an on-board speaker (Buzz-E only). The number is presented
as a series of blinks or tones. The numbers 1-9 are simply presented
as the corresponding number of blinks or buzzes; a special tone
indicates the digit zero, and another special tone indicates a
negative sign for temperatures below zero.

This method of data presentation is useful in several ways.
First, for those intending to move on to more advanced versions
of AnaSondes, this technique provides an introduction to how the
AnaSondes can transmit data over radios. It also provides an
introduction to how numbers are presented by audio methods,
and it is an easy step to go from listening to the data from a
Buzz-E to listening to the Morse code transmissions from the more
advanced AnaSondes. The Blink-E and Buzz-E are available with Morse
code output was well.

The data presentation methods are also of use in special-needs
classrooms for blind or deaf students. Yes, even blind students
have built AnaSondes from specially modified kits!

SpectraSonde

The SpectraSonde is derived from the AnaSonde Buzz-E, which
is used for surface-based measurements only. The SpectraSonde
is for users who want the simplicity and low cost of the
Buzz-E but need a wider variety of sensors or data output
formats. The circuit board is also slightly larger than
the Buzz-E, to facilitate a very clear parts layout, wide
spacing of parts, and easier placement of the sensors into
test chambers and the like. Both audio and visual outputs
are provided.

AnaSonde-E

The AnaSonde-E represents the most economical variant of
the AnaSonde family. It has two analog channels (so, for example, any two of pressure, temperature, and humidity can be carried), along with one digital input frequency channel. It uses the same hardware as the Buzz-E and
Blink-E except that the AnaSonde-E is a flight version.
It can be configured to transmit its measurements entirely
via Morse code. SondeWorks, our custom data acquisition
software, works with CwGet to log and display Morse code
data in real time.

What do I need to launch an AnaSonde?

The AnaSonde-E and AnaSonde-3M operate in the 70-cm amateur
radio band so an amateur radio license is required to operate
them. Our FAQ
has important information about the legal issues
surrounding transmitter operation. The typical receiver setup
recommended by Anasphere is an amateur radio receiver paired
with a directional antenna such as a Yagi. A complete receiver
kit including a Yaesu VR-120D receiver, a Cushcraft A430-11S
Yagi antenna, and the cables to connect them is available from
Anasphere. The launch balloon and parachute are included in the
AnaSonde kit; all you need to provide is a 9-volt battery and helium!